Befriending the Staff

Hospitals are staffed by many wonderful and some not-so-wonderful people. Many parents find that their heightened stress makes them less tolerant of inefficiency or confusion. Working together, rather than becoming adversaries, will provide your child with a sense of security. Doing things like helping change soiled bedding, taking out food trays, and giving baths frees up overworked nurses to take care of medicines and IVs.

As soon as possible, learn about the shift changes on the oncology floor. If you need to leave during the day or night, don't leave a request with one nurse if another will be coming on duty soon. If you have a request or reminder, you can post it on the child's door, on the wall above the bed, or on the chart.

I always made a point of introducing myself to my daughter's nurse and resident for each shift. I told them my child's name and which room we were in. I told them that I would be there the whole time and I would help as much as I could. I tried to talk to them about non-hospital matters to give them a break from their routine, as well as get to know them. I thanked them for any kindnesses and told them I appreciated how hard their job was. Although I wasn't angling for favors, I found that they soon came to like me and helped me out whenever any difficulty arose. Although there were a few that I didn't care for, on the whole I found the staff to be warm, caring, dedicated people.